- Much of a mother's time is spent caring for and nurturing the new arrival, and often, the big sister gets left out unintentionally. Purchase a realistic-looking baby doll and accessories for your 3-year-old so she may share in your day. When you feed the baby, she can use her make-believe bottle to feed hers. Purchase some baby doll furniture such as a swing, playpen and high chair for your big girl to play mommy alongside her loving mommy.
- Capitalize on your little girl's pride by purchasing a T-shirt or sweatshirt that states "I'm the Big Sister." The clothing article can be personalized with the child's name and favorite color through screen printing or embroidery via online companies such as Zazzle.com or CafePress.com, or by a crafty friend of the family. Your little princess may feel like the queen of the house while prancing around, basking in her newly found position, and may even ask to help in caring for the newborn. Allow her to fulfill her job requirements by fetching a clean diaper or picking up a pacifier when it falls.
- Contract a sewing professional to create matching quilts for the newborn and your older daughter, or take some time during pregnancy to sew them yourself. Have each one personalized with the children's names either embroidered or with appliquéd letters. Consider constructing a baby doll-sized quilt created with the leftover fabric scraps for your 3-year-old's infant toy. The matching quilts may encourage a sense of closeness and comfort between the two children in your family, while helping to stamp out jealousy.
- Hire a babysitter or enlist the help of a close friend or family member to watch the newborn while spending a day alone with your 3-year-old. Take her to the park, a children's museum or an aquarium. Do and say things to ensure that the big sister feels important and not replaced. Try not to stray too far away from home in case of an emergency.
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